Okay, so i have to write an essay, and i'm having LOADS of trouble comming up with something, any help would be appreciated!
"John Winthrop founded a society in Massachusetts that he would later write about calling "a city upon a hill". He was referring to the Puritan example as one that people from around the world might look to as an example of an egalitarian socieety. Winthrop's vision has become one of the founding mythologies of the USA.
In a formal essay, assess the validity of this myth through an exploration of American history from 1607 to the present from the perspective of 'the people'
Examine the question from the perspective of ONE of the following groups:
1. African Americans
2. Immigrants
3. Indigenous Peoples
4. the poor
5.social/political reformers
6. women"
THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!
This site will help you format your essay.
http://204.244.141.13/writ_den/tips/essay/index.htm
First you have to do two things. One, in your introduction you must give a definition Winthrop's "egalitarian society" specifically.
What were his criteria. You will need this to be specific so that you can measure the development of the group to that definition.
The second thing is to pick a group. Then, Take a sheet of paper, put Winthrop's criteria in separate columns on the paper. Then as you example the history of the group you have chosen, put specific events which relate to those criteria under the column. Use two colors of ink, one for positive results and one for negative. After you done all your research, then you can take your information and write. You can have a paragraph to discuss each of the criteria and your conclusion will of course decide how the criteria matched the actual history.
We will be happy to proof read and make suggestions to your finished product.
Sounds like an interesting research project.
Writing an essay can be challenging, but I'm here to help! Here are some steps you can follow to tackle this assignment:
1. Understand the essay prompt: Start by understanding the prompt and the main objective of the essay. In this case, you need to assess the validity of John Winthrop's vision of an egalitarian society in Massachusetts from the perspective of a specific group.
2. Choose a group to focus on: Select one of the groups provided (African Americans, Immigrants, Indigenous Peoples, the poor, social/political reformers, or women) to examine Winthrop's vision. Consider which group you are most interested in or have access to relevant sources about.
3. Define Winthrop's "egalitarian society": In your introduction, provide a clear and specific definition of what Winthrop's vision of an egalitarian society entailed. This will serve as the basis for evaluating the group's experience throughout history.
4. Conduct research: Gather information about your chosen group's experiences from 1607 to the present. Look for events, policies, and social dynamics that affected this group's pursuit of equality and their relationship with the broader American society. You can use books, articles, scholarly databases, and credible websites to gather information.
5. Analyze and organize your findings: Create a chart or table with two columns representing Winthrop's criteria for an egalitarian society. As you examine the history of your chosen group, analyze specific events and developments that align with or diverge from those criteria. Use different colors of ink to indicate positive and negative outcomes.
6. Start writing: Begin each paragraph by discussing one of Winthrop's criteria and explaining how your chosen group's experiences either aligned or deviated from it. Support your arguments with examples and evidence from your research. Be sure to discuss both positive and negative aspects.
7. Conclusion: In your conclusion, evaluate the overall validity of Winthrop's vision from the perspective of your chosen group. Summarize the main points discussed in your essay and provide a well-supported judgment on the extent to which the group's experiences align with Winthrop's ideals.
8. Proofread and refine: Once you have written your essay, proofread it for grammar and clarity. Make sure your arguments are well-supported and coherent. Consider seeking feedback from peers or teachers to improve the quality of your essay.
Remember to use the provided website for essay formatting guidance and reach out for further assistance if needed. Good luck with your essay, and I'm here to help if you have any more questions!